Landmarks approves preliminary landmark for New Genesis Assembly of God Baptist Church

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks has approved a preliminary landmark recommendation for the New Genesis Assembly of God Baptist Church. Located at 1400 N. Laramie, the New Genesis Assembly of God Baptist Church was originally constructed in 1924 as the home of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church congregation. It was primarily built over the period from 1924 -1949.

Meeting Criterion 1 for heritage, the church was originally home to the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was established in 1870. The building reflects the city’s social history and specifically, its German American ethnic and immigrant history as well as German American residential migration throughout various Chicago neighborhoods over time.

An important figure in the history of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church was Reverend Carl H. Rembold who assumed the pastorate in 1923. Reverend Rembold would lead the church congregation to its new location on N. Laramie Avenue and oversaw the construction of the building seen today over multiple decades, while substantially increasing the size of the congregation, its programming and its community impact. 

In 1997, the church building would once again become a center of community life as the home of New Genesis Assembly of God Baptist Church. While serving an Austin community that underwent significant racial change, the new church congregation has anchored the corner for over 25 years.   

Meeting Criterion 4 for exemplary architecture, the building is an excellent example of early 20th century church architecture in an eclectic Neo-Gothic style that was built in multiple phases between 1924 and 1949, as the building’s original congregation encountered delays in the building campaign due to the Great Depression and World II. The building is clad with Lannon Stone on its primary elevations along with various Gothic elements such as lancet windows and multiple crenellated parapets giving it a commanding appearance.

The building’s unique bell tower, which is four stories in height, includes the church’s bells cast in 1898 and brought from the church’s original location on Ada Street. It is topped by an unusual octagonal lantern framed by stepped gables at each of the tower’s four sides. The overall design detailing and detailed interior oak framing displays the Viennese training of the building’s architect, Moritz Strauch.

The church meets the separate Integrity Criterion as there have been no additions to the New Genesis Assembly of God Baptist Church (formerly Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church) building since construction and renovation was completed in 1961. The Lannon Stone and limestone exterior and interior oak trusses appear to be in excellent condition and have been well-maintained. Permit history indicated the roof was last repaired/replaced in 1987. The building is still owned and used by the New Genesis Assembly of God Baptist Church. 

The Commission has recommended that significant features to be protected are all exterior elevations, including rooflines, of the building. With the preliminary landmark recommendation approved, the Commission will need to approve a final landmark recommendation before sending the proposed designation to City Hall for final approvals from the Committee on Zoning and City Council.